Perk is Having None of This

ROFL! Oh my! I love Perk! I really do! I have a confession. After his commercial for 1% Milk, whenever I go to the store to buy milk, I reach for something else, and have this spooky feeling that Perk is there staring at me and I grab the 1%. Just can't buy anything else now. Perk is awesome!

Celtics Links for Today 10/31

Herald  Heat’s on, but Ray Allen’s cool
Heat wave drains C’s
Celts opt not to ring in new year
Nothing flagrant about Rondo’s desire
Storm hits home for Celts
Is David Stern the best commissioner in sports?
Globe  Final: Heat 120, Celtics 107
Eight questions about the Celtics
LeBron James going with gold shoes for opener
Ray Allen gets cold shoulder from Kevin Garnett in first game with Heat
Miami Heat’s ring ceremony stirs memories for Celtics coach Doc Rivers
Celtics need a hug after opening night
Boston Celtics not at their best, but time is on their side
Kevin Garnett talks about why he didn't shake Ray Allen's hand
KG gives Ray Allen cold shoulder
Heat defeat Celtics, 120-107, in season opener

Comments From the Other Side - Lakers/Mavs 10/30

The only thing better than a Celtics or Thunder win is a Lakers or Heat loss. Seeing the Lakers lose their 9th straight game this season is a special joy. Love how they complain about not getting any calls in a game in which the Lakers shot 31 free throws to 18 for the Mavs. We all know that the Lakers and Heat get special treatment from the refs and all the whining by their fans that they don't won't change the fact. My favorite comment was where they described Artest as a homeless, diabetic, crackhead version of LeBron. Too funny. I can see Russell Westbrook already getting excited about being guarded by Steve Nash. Should be fun to watch. Enjoy today's bonus edition of Comments from the Other Side- Losing Lakers edition.

No dirk, no Kaman They won't hold us, not now we have Nash making perfect passes into the teeth of the defense

OT: Barbosa 16 points in 14 minutes.

Gotta enjoy Celtics/Heat basketball. Testy d***he bags left and right.

Can anyone tell me what happened to LeBron? Why didn't he end the game?

He was trying to find an outlet to charge his samsung galaxy note 2 from all the picture taking of his shoes

When you're a Laker you get ticky tack fouls all the time but you need to be darn near powerbombed for them to call a foul on your behalf

Smh - where is the defense?

Celtics Links for Today 10/30

Herald  The Night of Ray rapidly approaches; Wade thinks beyond the ring ceremony
Rondo’s two-way game a marvel to his predecessors
Kevin Garnett remains Celtics’ key to success
Rondo his own man
New-look Celtics feel the Heat
Doc Rivers, players won’t get emotional
Miami holds applause on Green upgrades
Sullinger keeps cool under spotlight
Heat to raise banner, then host Celtics in opener
2012-13 Boston Celtics
For Heat, only playoff wins matter
From one Big Three point guard to another
Ray Allen countdown is on

Attitude and Knowledge Make Perk Special

News OK has a good article on how Perk's attitude makes him special in the league. The article starts with this premise:

Kendrick Perkins has an attitude problem. He knows it, and he'll never change. It's why he is who he is.

Behind that scowl is a shockingly smart basketball player. The Thunder center is about to start his 10th season, yet is still 27 years old. This truly makes him wise beyond his years.

Right from his rookie year when I fell in love with Perk as a player on the Celtics, he has had that attitude. It stems from the fact that he gives the game his all. Even in that rookie year when he played just 19 minutes the whole season, he worked harder than pretty much anyone else on the team. He remade his body from a pudgy high school player into a tough NBA ready body in that season.

He never gives less than 100% and most times more, and he expects the same from his teammates. But yet, he's always willing to get better and grow as a player himself. I remember back to one season early in his career, he was still playing sparingly but that didn't stop him from calling out one of the team's leaders. Paul Pierce was coasting in a game and clearly not giving it his all. Perk got in his face in a time out and told him he needed to play harder. Pierce listened and the Celtics pulled out the game.

Cole Aldrich spoke about his former teammate. Cole was traded with James Harden to Houston but he had played the past couple of years with Perk. When asked what made Perk so good in the post, he had this to say:

“His knowledge. He's played with a lot of good guys. He's been in the league 10 years and he's learned. He just knows the position and that's what makes him so good. You watch film of him and he really knows what he's doing. Then again, it could be 100-percent attitude, you never know.”

Celtics Links for Today 10/29

Herald  Ray Allen gives his account
Prelude to more series matters
Doc Rivers’ charges storm off to Miami
Paul Pierce marches into 15th season — and C’s history
Ubuntu looks to make comeback
Allen wants end to verbal exchanges
Globe  Jason Terry says Celtics have 'deepest bench in basketball'
Heat's Wade has great respect for Celtics
Chris Wilcox gets fresh start with Celtics
Miami Heat look forward to rivalry with Celtics
Boston Celtics getting ready for Miami Heat
Celtics’ Jeff Green shows heart in comeback

Celtics Links for Today 10/27

Herald  Doc Rivers: “If we’re focusing on Ray (Allen), we’re going to lose by 40″
Jason Terry’s been impressed with Rajon Rondo, but ready to play against someone else
Jared Sullinger’s got a real body of work
Doc Rivers not too hot about Ray Allen talk
Heat, Lakers loaded: Is Kobe-LeBron final coming?
Russian tycoon to ditch business for politics
LeBron James’ goal: Still to be the game’s best
Terry meets challenge
Globe  Jared Sullinger just getting started for Boston Celtics
Jason Terry says Celtics have 'deepest bench in basketball'
Celtics focusing on Miami
Over/unders for the 2012 Celtics

Welcome to Loud City's Perk Preview and My Comments

First of all, I absolutely love the photo they chose, which I have included above.  Perk and KG side by side.  Great pic.  Next, I think they have some good points on Perk.  This paragraph from Zeb's analysis is very true.

So, in my opinion, whatever Perk does this season, he's screwed as far as fan's expectations are concerned. They want somebody who's going to wow them on the court or impress them with their ethic, and Kendrick Perkins is neither of those.

A lot of fans are impressed by offense or spectacular defense. Most don't appreciate the blue collar player who does the little things that most fans don't notice. But those little things are often what are the difference between winning and losing for their team.

On the Thunder they have some spectacular shooters in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden along with a few others. Perk is not a shooter. He can score around the basket, but mostly garbage baskets cleaning up a broken play. But, Perk is as important to the offense as if he were a scorer. Perk is one of the best at setting picks. He sets some bone rattling screens that get his shooters open. Most eyes are on the shooter in those plays. But Perk is there, giving his body to screen off the defender to get his shooter open.

Perk Helps Dedicate Renovated Court

Great day in NE OKC as Thabo, Cole and Perk help @okcthunder and @sprite dedicate renovated court @ Pitts Park. twitter.com/okcthunder/sta…
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 26, 2012

Celtics Links for Today 10/26

Herald  Concerns arise for Delonte West
Depth puts Celtics in prime position
Where’s a break like this when you need one?
Globe   Jason Terry says Celtics have 'deepest bench in basketball' etball news
Terry, Barbosa have Celtics gazing at seventh heaven
Globe 10.0 - Why is Ray Allen mad at the Celtics?
Ray Allen comments on Rondo, Celtics bubbling up

Celtics Links for Today 10/25

Herald  Wilcox relieved to be back on the floor; Barbosa practices
Chris Wilcox back in time to vie for roster spot
Knicks beat Nets in tuneup for season opener
Clippers beat winless Lakers 97-91 in preseason
Globe  Leandro Barbosa, Chris Wilcox join Celtics practice
Barbosa, Wilcox up to speed
Boston Celtics trying to integrate newcomers

Celtics Links for Today 10/24

Herald  Jason Terry creates buzz with big shots
76ers will go as far in East as Andrew Bynum takes them
Expectations soar as Pacers embark on new season
Brooklyn Nets are cool, and think they’ll be a winner, too
Magic remain optimistic as post-Dwight Howard era begins
Knicks hope old guys can help Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony win
Aging Celtics geared up for another run at title
Kevin Durant, Thunder still chasing first NBA title
After offseason changes, this isn’t same ’ol Hawks
Report: NBA drops center spot from All-Star ballot
Globe  Boston Celtics trying to integrate newcomers

OKC is Most Talented Team in the NW Division

 

Neil Paine posted an article on ESPN Insider giving the most talented in each division.  It was no suprise that the Celtics are the most talented in the Atlantic and also that the Thunder are the most talented in the Northwest division.  He uses the recent ESPN player rankings for each player's value.   The Thunder is the most talented in the NW division but second in the West to the Lakers.  Although, I'd take OKC's roster any day over the Lakers' old broken down team.  

Celtics Links for Today 10/23

Herald  For this year’s Celtics, Green means go
DeAndre Jordan, Clippers beat Warriors 88-71
Bulls vow to get by without Derrick Rose
Globe  Leandro Barbosa still has something left to offer Celtics
Celtics Green  A Few Interesting Notes from the GM Survey
Revisiting the Chemistry Issue
Ray Trying to Convince Himself He Made the Right Choice
Celtics Life  What if the Celtics go "big?"
GM survey gives Celtics some credit
Afternoon Delight: Excuses, Excuses
Video: Scal previews the Celtics upcoming season

Russell Westbrooks Glasses Star in an ESPN Ad

I love these ESPN commercials. This one is hilarious.

Celtics Links for Today 10/22

Herald   Slater Martin, nemesis of Celtics’ Bob Cousy, 86
Heat’s Ray Allen set on contributing in areas beyond three-point line
Globe  FInal: 76ers 88, Celtics 79
Celtics’ Leandro Barbosa has work visa issue
Celtics Green  Comments from the Other Side - Sixers 10/21
Celtics End Preseason with Loss at Home
Preseason Wrap Up from Molly McGrath
Celtics Life  Celtics Lose the Last Preseason Game 88-79 Against 76ers
Video: Mike Gorman interviews rookie Fab Melo
Poll: Who inspired Andrew Bynum's new look?
76ers 88, Celtics 79 highlights

Perk Is Back!!!

Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) shoots in front of Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) in the third quarter of an NBA basketball preseason game in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. Oklahoma City won 108-101. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Perk finally made his preseason debut in last night's 108-101 win over the Nuggets.   The Thunder had their starting 5 together for the first time this season and are back at full strength with 2 preseason games remaining in the preseason to tune things up.

Now to the important stuff.  Perk played 18 minutes and had four points, four rebounds and two blocks. I'd say that's a pretty good start for him as he played in the first game after having both groin and wrist surgery in the offseason. And might I remind you that Perk played through 3 playoff series with a torn groin muscle and ligament damage in his wrist without any complaints or so much as mentioning it. Perk is one guy I'd want in the trenches with me if I was going to battle.

It's great to see the big guy back out on the court doing what he does best.   

Celtics Links for Today 10/21

Herald   Melo is Fab 5 of C’s future
Doc gives positive prognosis
Not a starry night in Albany
Green gets defensive in Celtic comeback win
Ray Allen gets a chance to write final chapter with Heat
Globe   Pressure on these old-look New York Knicks to make strides this season
Final: Celtics 109, Knicks 98
Rookie Jared Sullinger grabs good notices with Celtics

Celtics Links for Today 10/20

Herald  Courtney Lee helps coach cope
Globe Night off for KG, Pierce
Courtney Lee also providing Celtics with defense
Celtics Green  Boston Ranks 5th Among Fantasy BBall (Yahoo)
Courtney Lee Just Getting His Legs Under Him
It's a Fast Break!
Pierce, KG, Bass and Darko Out vs the Knicks
Celtics Life  Video: The Truth Productions Presents: Celtics '12-'13 season preview
A Few of the Guys React to Their ESPN Mag Ranking
Doc Rivers content with no backup point guard
Noble's Weekly Notes - Jeff Green's comeback season

Photo of the Day

 

I found this photo on Inside Hoops forums.  Is it me or is Perk even thinner than he was last season?  Let's hope that's pure muscle under that shirt or he's never going to be able to keep Howard away from the hoop this season.  And I'm not even going to talk about the fact that he's smiling.  Just not right.  

Celtics Links for Today 10/19

Herald  Doc has ‘moved past’ Allen’s departure, still ‘disappointed’
Leandro Barbosa can contribute in reserve
Doc Rivers seeks rotation remedy
Dwight Howard expects to be nervous
Globe  Celtics ownership has provided a decade of pride
Celtics ruin Nets' return to national TV, 115-85
Final: Celtics 115, Nets 85
Celtics rout Nets in exhibition rematch

Celtics Links for Today 10/18

Boston Herald   Jason Collins stands tall for Celtics
Timberwolves star Kevin Love out 6-8 weeks, broken hand
Mark Cuban not too concerned about Dirk Nowitzki’s knee
Globe  Barbosa is added by Celtics
Celtics Green  Celtics Sign Leandro Barbosa
The End of Pre-Game Rituals?
Preview: Celtics (1-4) at Nets (3-0) 10/18
Celtics Life  The Other Guys
What the Hell Happened To...Kedrick Brown?
Leandro Barbosa: The Brazilian Blur in Boston
My Ginger Hero is back!

Stern Targets OKC Pregame Ritual?

A lot of players have pregame rituals. Some teams have them. But none has one more detailed or entertaining than the OKC Thunder's pregame ritual seen above. It's pretty much likely that David Stern's new policy that no more than 90 seconds can go by between player introductions and the tip off is aimed straight at the Thunder. Here's KD's take on it and I agree with him.

“I personally don't like it,” Durant said of the 90-second rule. “Every player in this league has routines they do with their teammates, rituals they do before the game and before they walk on the floor. The fans like it. The fans enjoy it. You see the fans mimicking the guys who do their stuff before the game. To cut that down really don't make no sense. Why would you do it? I really don't agree with it, but I don't make the rules.”

If they want to save some time in the game, how about cutting out some of the phantom fouls they call - like the technical on Perk for the look on his face. Or maybe just cut a couple of the official's time outs for TV commercials that seem to last forever. Maybe they can do their pregame ritual before the player intros. Show Herr Stern that he can't stop fun all together.

Celtics Links for Today 10/17

Herald  With surgery in past, Jeff Green has no fear as season approaches
Joseph finds a place
Celts revert to Plan B in loss to Brooklyn
Legislation signed on Seattle arena deal
Jazz rout Gasol-less Lakers 114-80
Thunder top Bobcats 120-98 in home preseason debut
Globe  Final: Nets 97, Celtics 96
Within the Atlantic Division, there's been plenty of addition
Celtics release guards Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith
Healthy Paul Pierce starts strong for Celtics
Celtics Green  Comments From the Other Side - Nets 10/17
Terry & Christmas takes on Roxbury Womens BBall
Smith and Christmas Waived
Celtics Fall to Nets 97-96
Celtics Targeting a Vet for Final Spot
Assistant Coach Rajon Rondo
Grampa Celtic Weighs In on This Season's Team

Celtics Links for Today 10/16

Herald  Celtics-76ers early notes
Tough night in Philly
Doc Rivers, Doug Collins in mix for 2016 Olympic post
Not a lot to like in Philly
Globe  Final: 76ers 107, Celtics 75
Brandon Bass staying focused despite being unsure of his role on Celtics
Celtics Green  Comments From the Other Side - Sixers 10/15
Jason Terry is Writing a Diary This Season
Your Laugh of the Day - King of the Rings
Celtics Lose to Sixers 107-75 - Nothing To See Here
Celtics Struggle Losing 75 to 107
Oh Noes! Darko is Hurt!
Game Preview: Nets (2-0) at Celtics (1-3) 10/16

Good News

There was some good news in today's Thunder Rumblings.

The biggest bit of info that came out of practice today is that Kendrick Perkins participated in nearly all of the practice. That’s good news, but as Perk told me Friday night there still is no new timeline for his return. The team continues to target the start of the regular season for him.

Good to hear that Perk is back to practicing. That's a good sign that his wrist rehab is progressing and he can't be far from getting onto the court. Hope to see him out there soon.

Celtics Links for Today 10/15

Herald   Jason Terry never one to start trouble
Clippers beat Heat in Shanghai
Globe  Streamlined Celtics a team built for speed
Celtics Green  KG Unlikely for Tonight's Game
Celtics Host Sixers in Playoff Rematch
Jet's Versatility and Attitude Make Him Unique
Cue the Josh Smith Rumors
Celtics Life  Celtics' Dionte Christmas Proving his Worth
Doc and Paul's Birthday Adventures: Hangover III
The Brave and the Bold: Kris Joseph

Celtics Links for Today 10/14

Herald   Celtics continue to experiment in OT loss to New York
Fountain of youth flows
Green showing strong heart
Globe  Final: Knicks 98, Celtics 95 (OT)
Green shows he has come back strong
Celtics Green  Comments From the Other Side - Knicks 10/13
Knicks Edge Celtics in OT 98-95

Celtics Links for Today 10/13

Herald   Kevin Garnett connects with rooks in own way
C’s add needed size
If he’s upset about role, Bass isn’t saying
Smush Parker lashes back at Kobe Bryant
Globe  Garnett: Celtics bring back '07-08 memories
Celtics are turning back the clock; versatility encouraging
Celtics Green  Gerald Green Still Has Hops
Happy Birthday to Doc and The Captain
Some Interesting Lineups
Random Thoughts on Real Training Camp

Celtics Links for Today 10/12

Herald  The Heat is on Celtics’ minds
Eager Avery Bradley ahead of schedule
Passing on Stan Van Gundy loss for NBA
Globe  Transitioning the lineup conversation from start to finish
Avery Bradley of Celtics believes he’s ahead of schedule
Celtics Green  All I Ever Needed to Know I learned on Twitter - 10/11 Practice Edition
Jeff Green Shows He Has Heart
Buying In
Injury Updates: Bradley, Wilcox and Milicic
It's All Black and White

The Ever-Quotable Perk

Hoopsworld has a great piece on Perk and how honest and open he is when he talks.   Perk says what he thinks and is always quotable.  His honesty and earnestness was one of the things that made me a Perk fan in his rookie season.  He was refreshingly candid even in his rookie season.  Here are some quotes from Perk talking about whether he was over the Finals loss:

“Nah, I still don’t watch Sports Center to this day because they’re so…,” Perkins said, his voice trailing off.  “I don’t.  I haven’t gotten over it.”

Recall the Thunder took the first win of the series, then they seemed to fall apart; Miami went on to win four in a row and capture the title.  Perkins shared his thoughts on the the team crumbling in the Finals.

“I think we all understand what it takes to at least get to the Finals,” Perkins said.  “I think the Finals was overwhelming to a lot of us.  I think we got caught up in just being in the Finals and quit playing basketball.”

“We were too worried about making the right play at all times instead of making the simple play,” agreed Harden.

“I think a lot of guys on our team grew up last year in a lot of ways,” Perkins added.

Celtics Links for Today 10/11

Herald   For starters, Celtics could be multiple choice
Celtics court change
Vacation over, Doc Rivers pushes players
Kobe Bryant sits as Lakers lose
Heat top Clippers 94-80 in preseason game in China
Kobe Bryant knows he’s nearing the dusk of his career
Globe  Rivers considering Sullinger in the starting lineup
Impressive rookie Jared Sullinger gives Doc Rivers lineup options for Celtics
Celtics Green  A Different Vibe
Practice Update 10/10
Fluid Lineups

Celtics Links for Today 10/10

Herald   Energetic guard works to find place with C’s
Newcomer Lee likes ‘vibe’ of Green
Anthony Davis shines as Hornets down Bobcats, 97-82
Kobe Bryant’s future not set in stone
Globe  Celtics’ Jeff Green contributing off the bench
Celtics Green  It's All About 18
A Puncher's Chance
Behind the Scenes in Europe Plus a Sully Pop Quiz
Positional Battles
Celtics Life  More Rondo fashion pics
Did Ainge miss out on draft home run?

Celtics Links for Today 10/9

Herald  Celts hope trip stirs up winning mix
Olimpia Milano coach can dream of Green
Top rookie with anxiety issue joins Rockets’ camp
Globe  Celtics experience success and adversity, develop chemistry on European journey
Celtics Green There's Only One Roster Concern
Rondo: This is Our Best Shot
Incredible Dodgeball Video
Is Doc Inventing a New Position with Darko?
Celtics Life Video: Extended highlights from the Euro trip
This time Darko is ready

Perk Still a Leader

Darnell Mayberry had this little tidbit in his report today:

When asked about the leadership of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Nick Collison and Kendrick Perkins, Aldrich said they expect a lot out of their teammates and make sure the intensity and level of work is always high. “Those are the guys we really listen to and we respect,” Aldrich said.

Perk has always been a leader by example. From his first day as a Celtic, he was one of the hardest workers on the team. The reason his teammates listen to him is because he backs up his words with his work ethic. Every team needs players like that.

Celtics Links for Today 10/8

Herald   Celtics 103, Armani 75
Style points for Rondo
Italian fans get their Irish up for visitors
Bulls newcomers impressed with Thibodeau
Josh Smith, Lou Williams lead Hawks past Heat
Warriors rout Lakers in exhibition game
Celtics cruise to win in Milan
Globe  Lack of backup point guard concerns Doc Rivers as Celtics finish European tour
Celtics 105, EA7 Milano 75
Celtics getting very comfortable with rookie Jared Sullinger

The Thunder Just Got Scarier

Kevin Durant has been described as being bigger and stronger this season. He spent time in the weight room and now teams will have a much tougher time bullying him around in the paint.

“I hope so,” Durant said when told he looks bigger and asked if he got stronger over the off-season. “I guess we’ll know when we start banging during the season. But I feel a little bigger, and coach is going to put me down low a little bit more at the 4 so I’ve got to be stronger to guard those guys. I’m just looking forward to doing as much as I can to help this team.”

That could just cause a few mismatches for opponents and give the Thunder yet another leg up on the competition.   At times teams were able to push KD off the block and alter his shot.  With more bulk, even playing at the 3, he'll be able to stand his ground easier under the basket.  The bulk is  going to help with rebounding and on defense.   Hopefully it won't affect his shot.

Celtics Links for Today 10/7

Herald  Green means go
Pierce faces his world audience
Doc trying not to paint Sullinger into box
Globe  Celtics coach Doc Rivers works on mental game with Darko Milicic, Rajon Rondo
Sports Log
Celtics Green  Preview: Celtics at EA7 Emporio Armani Milano 10/7
Some Fun Odds and Ends from the Celtics
I Told You It Was the Play of the Game
Confidence Key for Another Celtic

Celtics Links for Today 10/6

Herald  Jared Sullinger makes strong impression
Opening game bit of a Turkey
Steve Nash and the Lakers: A match made in hoops heaven?
Kobe Bryant misses 2 Lakers practices with foot woes
Bulls’ Richard Hamilton hale, hearty and healthy
Lakers’ Dwight Howard responds to Shaquille O’Neal’s slight
Cs lose opener to Fenerbache, 97-91
Globe  Fenerbahce Ulker 97, Celtics 91
Fenerbahce Ulker 97, Celtics 91
Basketball boon in Turkey due partly to ‘The White Shadow’
Celtics lose in Turkey
Turkish team defeats Celtics, 97-91

Celtics Links for Today 10/5

Herald  Young guys give veterans a good run
The Celtics investigate antiquity; Pierce tweets for a meal
Doc Rivers helps forge flopping rule
Rookies attend KG school abroad
Globe   Roster focus: Jason Terry
Celtics complete final day of practice before Turkish matchup
Roster focus: Darko Milicic
Watch the Celtics in Turkey Friday afternoon
Doc Rivers hopes Rasheed Wallace is in shape for comeback

ESPN Thinks Ray Allen is on the Thunder

Ok, now this is weird. ESPN has Ray Allen on the Thunder. Was there a trade none of us knows about?

Celtics Links for Today 10/4

Herald   Green sight for sore eyes
Doc Rivers delivers tough workout
Ray Allen cheered at Heat scrimmage
Globe  Roster focus: Jared Sullinger
Kevin Garnett in middle of Celtics’ scrum
Darko Milicic looking for fresh start with Celtics

Does This Shirt Say Russell Westbrook or What?

I came across this vintage silk billiards shirt and it pretty much shouts Russ's name. I can see him wearing it, can't you? I'll be watching for it (or one similar) on the podium this season.

Celtics Links for Today 10/3

Herald  Call him KG the courteous
Bleary-eyed Celtics open practice in Turkey
Garnett, Celtics getting comfortable in Turkey
Turkey a new world
Added security helps play it safe
Globe  Celtics work out for three hours before Turkish media
Celtics’ mission is to recapture Ubuntu feeling
Celtics coach Doc Rivers working his players
Postcard from Istanbul: An impressive, energetic city

Celtics Links For Today 10/2

Herald  Celtics see size as small matter
Dwight Howard ready to learn from Kobe with Lakers
Jeremy Lin, young Rockets ready for challenge
Chemistry test during Euro trip
Rick Adelman likes what he sees with older Wolves
‘New’ Suns begin first camp of post-Steve Nash era
: A Lakers title? Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard can get it, together
Grizzlies eager to erase memory of playoff ouster
Amid uncertainty, Kings aim for ‘winning mindset’
New-look Utah Jazz hoping for major transformation
Oft-injured Rashard Lewis ready to show Heat his range
Globe  Roster focus: Chris Wilcox
Doc Rivers wants Celtics to speed up the tempo
Garnett and Celtics focusing before trip

Some Perk on Media Day

Some Perk from the podium at media day.

Perk on the league punishing floppers: "I like it. I like it ... It's bad for the game and I'm glad they're making guys stand by it now."
— Royce Young (@dailythunder) October 1, 2012

Perk: "I think the Finals was overwhelming to a lot of us. I think we got caught up in being in the Finals and quit playing basketball."
— Royce Young (@dailythunder) October 1, 2012

Perk on if he's over the Finals loss: "Nah I still don't watch SportsCenter to this day because of it."
— Royce Young (@dailythunder) October 1, 2012

From the stream.

Perk says he's feeling good. Going to use training camp to keep getting better as a team.

He wants to do a better job of controlling himself on the court this season and to set a better example for the younger guys to do the same.

He felt that the post season run helped the team a lot. He thinks the team got caught up in the moment in the Finals and not they have the jitters out and know what to expect if they get back there this season.

He said that the team needs to stay humble and hungry.

With a very humble and hungry Perk helping to lead them, they've got a great shot at doing so.

On Perk's Importance to the Thunder

From Pro Basketball Talk's Thunder Preview:

Kendrick Perkins

With the acquisition in Los Angeles, Kendrick Perkins now becomes the most important player if the Lakers and Thunder meet in the playoffs, which most people think will happen in the Western Conference Finals. As I wrote previously, Kendrick Perkins is the best defender against Dwight Howard. (Superman's Kryptonite) Perkins will need to slow the big man down and take him out of the game in order for the Thunder to overcome the Lakers to advance to their second NBA Finals.

I love to see people realizing how important Perk will be to the Thunder should they meet the Lakers in the playoffs. I've read posts where people want to amnesty Perk to be able to offer Harden more. Those are so short sighted. As the Celtics found out, replacing a shooting wing for cheap is much easier than replacing a defensive post player.